Toolkit for Improving Skin Care and MDRO Prevention in Long-Term Care

https://www.ahrq.gov/hai/tools/mrsa-prevention/mdro-ltc/index.html AHRQ has released the new Toolkit for Improving Skin Care and MDRO Prevention in Long-Term Care, which outlines four evidence-based strategies to reduce infection risks and maintain skin integrity among long-term care residents. The toolkit strategies include keeping skin clean and safe, reducing MDRO transmission, using antibiotics wisely, and cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces. Unlike other healthcare settings, long-term care residents receive medical care in the same place they call home, making infection prevention a complex, critical task. Designed for practical use, the toolkit offers a structured bundle of interventions that address both clinical and cultural aspects of care. One notable feature is the inclusion of Teachable Moments—real-world case scenarios that illustrate infection risks and best practices—designed to reinforce learning and support staff training by making clinical lessons relatable and actionable. Also, an Implementation Guide is provided to help teams operationalize the toolkit and integrate it into daily practice. By combining behavioral, cultural, and clinical interventions, this program offers a comprehensive approach to safeguarding residents, promoting teamwork, and facilitating a culture of safety in nursing homes. The toolkit was based on the AHRQ Safety Program for Improving Skin Care and MDRO Prevention in Long-Term Care, implemented over 18 months across more than 300 nursing homes nationwide. The program was linked to significant reductions in the development of nosocomial stage 2 and unstageable pressure ulcers and achieved a significant increase in the number of facilities reporting at least 75 percent hand hygiene compliance among healthcare personnel, among other outcomes.